Watertown School Board Approves Supplemental Budget, Reclassifying Special Education Staff

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board has approved a supplemental budget. This key action shifts $385,000 in expenditures from the General Fund to the Special Education Fund.

The change, approved by the Board following a motion by Vice President Kari Lohr and a second by Member Jean Moulton, involves the reclassification of 11 full-time equivalent (FTE) paraprofessionals whose primary assignments are dedicated to serving special education students. The decision was based on a staffing review.

The supplemental budget item, $6.3.2, was considered and approved after a unanimous vote.

By reclassifying and charging the salaries of the 11 paraprofessionals to the Special Education Fund, the district shifts a budget amount of $385,000.

Business Manager Heidi Clausen stated that the Special Education Fund ended the last fiscal year with an increase of $893,000 in reserves, providing the capacity to absorb these additional expenditures without compromising the fund's stability.

This reallocation also provides relief to the General Fund by reducing its expenditure load, a move described as helpful at a time when the district is actively seeking potential savings.

In addition to the reclassification, the supplemental budget includes a $21,550 increase to Title IC migrant funds. These funds are allocated as a pass-through from the state and are matched with offsetting expenditures, resulting in no net impact on the district's local funds.